There is one thing in common with all newbies: they only shoot up the middle.

So then the best games for newbies are ones where constantly shooting up the middle will cause something interesting and meaningful to happen.

Doctor Who, is probably the best I've found that is like this. Players can simply keep shooting up the middle and get the multiball. All up the middle they can: shoot locks, wail on some targets, shoot into dalek gates, and watch the balls fall towards you for multiball.

I also have Road Show, which you'd think is similar: shoot up the middle and wail on Ted's dozer blade, then shoot the locks to start multi ball. But newbies simply cannot make the lock shot required to start it — it's a tough shot.

WCS is a good one, getting goals is fun for everyone.

Another good one is Junk Yard. Wailing on the wrecking ball and shoot up the middle to start multiball is really fun for newbies too.

I find that most guests can't master the lock shot, which they have to hit twice to start multi ball. Then the multiball has no ball saver so they flame out quickly and are disappointed with how much effort was spent achieving nothing.

DW has a ball saver and hitting daleks and hearing them scream feels like a jackpot to them, even when technically you have to get all three for a jackpot.

That's true!

It only takes one ball to advance to Friday, so hearing "[swoosh] OVERTIME!" over and over and over drives me mental

Yeah Scared Stiff is a great one for newbies. The ramps are really smooth and easy to hit, the crate is fun, the leapers are interesting even when missing the ramps and hitting the stand ups and the theme is really well executed.